No amount of scholastic attainment, of able and profound exposition of brilliant and stirring eloquence can atone for the absence of a deep impassioned sympathetic love for human souls.
David BrainerdRead
I am an old sinner; and if God had designed mercy for me, he would have called me home to himself before now.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote reflects a sense of self-awareness and the struggle between guilt and the hope for redemption.
David Brainerd expresses a deep awareness of his own imperfections and sins, suggesting that if divine mercy were truly intended for him, he would have already experienced salvation or reconciliation with God. This thought provokes reflection on the nature of mercy, the human condition, and the consequences of one's choices, as well as the profound yearning for acceptance and forgiveness.
Themes
MercySinnerRedemptionSelf-AwarenessForgiveness
In practice
Example use cases
In a sermon about the importance of recognizing our flaws and seeking forgiveness.
More from David Brainerd
All quotes βMy desires seem especially to be after weanedness from the world, perfect deadness to it, and that I may be crucified to all its allurements. My soul desires to feel itself more of a pilgrim and a stranger here below, that nothing may divert me from pressing through the lonely desert, till I arrive at my Father's house.
David BrainerdRead
It is sweet to be nothing and less than nothing that Christ may be all in all.
David BrainerdRead
Oh! it is sweet to be thus weaned from friends, and from myself, and dead to the present world, that so I may live wholly to and upon the blessed God!
David BrainerdRead
Toward night, I felt my soul rejoice, that God is unchangeable happy and glorious and that He will be glorified, whatever becomes of His creatures.
David BrainerdRead
Saw so much of the wickedness of my heart that I longed to get away from myself...I felt almost pressed to death with my own vileness. Oh what a body of death is there in me...Oh the closest walk with God is the sweetest heaven that can be enjoyed on earth!
David BrainerdRead
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